Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. They give me no money, not do they in any way influence my thoughts – those are 100% my own for better or worse.
Synopsis:
Superstition. Murder. Vengeance.
Tabitha Hart earns a scandalous living in London, with whichever gentleman has enough coin for her company. But in the summer of 1752, her mother urgently summons her home to the village of Netherlea and, with reluctance, she returns. However, she is greeted by the news that her mother has died in disturbing circumstances.
Finding cryptic notes in her mother’s almanack, Tabitha is determined to discover the truth, but the superstitious villagers are wary of her. Only the enigmatic Nat Starling is prepared to join her, as she sets out to uncover her mother’s killer. But soon the summer draws to a close and snow sets in, cutting off Netherlea from the outside world. As an unknown killer prophesies their deaths, Tabitha and Nat now face the darkest hours of their lives.
Hot Take:
I enjoyed this book a lot. The inclusion of riddles was both relevant to the story and loads of fun, since the solution to each riddle hinted at what that chapter would reveal (and some were fairly challenging!). I also think the almanac entries for the date each chapter falls on was very clever. The style of writing is thoughtful and intelligent.
Bailey’s descriptions of people and places are detailed, but not obnoxiously so. She gives just enough to allow one to visualize clearly her characters and settings.
The mystery was well crafted, and the characters were fleshed out. I found that I really liked Tabitha and Nat, and that I wanted things to turn out well for both of them.
But the best part? I didn’t peg the villain until they did. That almost never happens – I’m usually mentally berating the characters for their thick-headedness, but not so here. Many people seem like they could be behind the crimes, and indeed, many are less than innocent – they are simply innocent of the crimes upon which this story hinges.
I like a mystery that doesn’t assume I’m thick-headed, and this one delivers. There is a lot to occupy the mind within these pages, so you certainly won’t find yourself growing bored.
The Almanack is full of intrigue and cleverness, but most importantly, it has heart. It is loads of fun to try to root out the villain in real time.
If you like historical fiction, mysteries, and/or historical mysteries, this is a good one. I liked it enough that I may even read it again, and in a world with so many books I haven’t read yet, that feels like mighty high praise.
My Rating:
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The Almanack By Martine Bailey Severn House Publishers Historical Fiction, Mystery ISBN: 9781838850357 Expected Publication: November 7, 2019
